ADU Permits: Clinton vs Worcester
How do adu permits rules compare between Clinton, MA and Worcester, MA?
Clinton, MA
Worcester County
No data available yet for Clinton.
Worcester, MA
Worcester County
Worcester ADU permits are issued by the Department of Inspectional Services under the Worcester Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 9 of the Revised Ordinances) and the statewide ADU-by-right standards established by the 2024 Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024). Detached and internal ADUs up to 900 sq ft are allowed by-right in single-family zones, with building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits required.
View full Worcester rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clinton | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | - | Mass. AHA 2024 (G.L. c. 40A § 3A) |
| Max ADU Size | - | 900 sq ft by-right statewide |
| Permit Authority | - | Worcester Dept. of Inspectional Services |
| Local Zoning | - | Worcester Zoning Ord. Ch. 9 |
| Building Code | - | MA State Building Code 9th Ed. (780 CMR) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clinton FAQ
No FAQs available.
Worcester FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Worcester by-right?
Yes. Under the 2024 Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, ADUs up to 900 sq ft are allowed by-right in Worcester single-family zoning districts. Building, plumbing, electrical, and gas permits from the Department of Inspectional Services are still required.
Does Worcester require a special permit for an ADU?
No, not for ADUs that meet the state by-right standards. Worcester cannot require a special permit, variance, or discretionary site plan review for conforming ADUs under G.L. c. 40A § 3A. Standard ministerial zoning review still applies.
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